Said good bye to our good friends at the Primefold Hotel, honestly the sweetest bunch of people we have ever met.  They even gave us a gift of a traditional Cambodian scarf, and they all came out to wave us goodbye as our taxi took us to the Siem Reap International Airport.

Arrived at the DaNang International Airport, a very nice way to enter Vietnam as opposed to the airport in Saigon where it is very busy and chaotic.

Cabbed to our hotel which is right across from the ocean and waterfront.  Lovely!!  

Did a quick walk around the neighbourhood, lots of seafood restaurants! 

Đà Nẵng

• Vietnam

• 20 October 2022

• 30°

Just spent the day walking along the waterfront.  There was a monsoon flood here very recently which caused significant flooding.  They are in the process of cleaning it all up.

Vietnam celebrates its National Women's Day on October 20th. It's among several occasions on which the society shows their love and respect to the women; it could be their mothers, sisters, aunts or just their friends.

I was gifted a pair of socks from the waitress at the coffee shop. So Nice!

Đà Nẵng

• Vietnam

• 21 October 2022

• 27°

Visited the Marble Mountains, we were here in 2012 with the kids we realized. 

Marble Mountains is a group of five limestone peaks situated seven kilometres from downtown Da Nang. The five karsts (called Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese) are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuỷ (water), Mộc (wood), Hoả (fire) and Thổ (earth). Over centuries, Marble Mountains has held special significance for the people of Central Vietnam. The ancient Cham revered the karsts as a spiritual site, and Vietnamese emperors from Hue and legendary generals passing through paid visits to the peaks, adding to their store of legends. 

Today Marble Mountains is home to a network of caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings. The structures and shrines blend harmoniously with nature: Vine tendrils drip from above, frangipani and poinciana trees drop their blossoms on the stone paths, and the pagodas’ ornate roofs sparkle in the tropical sun. It’s a setting that easily captures the imagination.

There are half a dozen large caves hidden away in the Marble Mountains, and many other small ones that are rarely visited. Most of the caves are cool inside, with the jungle plants and mossy walls creating an exotic atmosphere found nowhere else. All the caves in Marble Mountains have unique features, and some have fascinating stories of being discovered and used as hideaways over the centuries. 

Huyen Khong is the largest of the caves, and a must-visit for Instagrammers. The collapsed ceiling allows shafts of light to pierce the dark cavern, creating dramatic spotlights inside. Huyen Khong was once used as a secret base and later a field hospital for Vietnamese revolutionaries. Its jaw-dropping size seems unlikely from the entrance, but is large enough to house a massive stone Buddha and two shrines. One of the shrines is dedicated to the god and goddess of match-making, and is a popular spot for couples and singles to worship. 

On Water Mountain, Hoa Nghiem Cave is watched over by a beautiful 400-year-old stone statue of Lady Buddha’ and on Metal Mountain, Tang Chon Cave is worth a wander for the marble statues of chess players and mandarins placed inside the cave’s warrens. Set aside time to explore a few of the caves and find the one you like most.

One of the best parts of touring Marble Mountain is seeing the striking pagodas that claim this elevated perch. Linh Ung Pagoda announces itself with an amazingly detailed archway facing the sweep of Non Nuoc Beach. Stop here for photos before wandering around the courtyard to admire the small lotus ponds, bonsai plants and tilework of the main structure. Nguyen Emperor Gia Long first ordered the pagoda built in 1825, and it bears many of the same motifs found in the UNESCO-listed tombs in Hue. A short walk away you’ll reach Xa Loi Tower. This 28-metre structure houses 200 statues of Buddha, and offers breathtaking views of the landscape below.

Across on Water Mountain, you’ll find Tam Thai Pagoda. This tidy pagoda, dedicated to the bodhisattva Phat Di Lac, has its own charming courtyard, and was rebuilt by the Nguyen Dynasty King Ming Mang more than 400 years ago, after falling into disrepair. 

The ladies at the bottom of the mountain who run the shops are very ruthless, if you don't want to buy anything you really must be assertive and just walk away as quickly as possible, if you do want to buy something to support them, then negotiate as best you can, as they are sharks!!

After our walk around, we stopped at the bottom for a drink, and decided to call a Grab to drive us back, the guy  lying in the hammock next to us phone rang. Pretty funny.

We checked out the Shamrock rish Pub in the evneing for some live music.

Đà Nẵng

• Vietnam

• 23 October 2022

• 30°

The buffet breakfast at the hotel is insane, there is so much food, but if there are not alot of people they just bring you food and they are not scimpy!

Visited the Dragon Bridge and the Son Tra Night Market Night Market today.

The famous Dragon Bridge is located on the beautiful Han River of Da Nang. Aside from astonishing architecture, this bridge is also well known for its exciting water and fire performances.

Dragon Bridge holds a spectacular position in the vibrant city of Da Nang.  This iconic bridge gracefully spans across the mighty Han River connecting the eastern and western banks and serving as a vital link between two bustling thoroughfares: Nguyen Van Linh Street on one side and Bach Dang Street on the other. 

The construction of the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, was an ambitious and impressive feat that commenced in July 2009 and concluded in March 2013. The bridge's main span, a significant milestone in the project, was completed on October 26, 2012, showcasing the engineering prowess behind this magnificent structure. Symbolizing the Liberation of Da Nang during the Second Indochina War, the bridge's opening to traffic was purposefully scheduled on March 29, 2013, to coincide with the 38th anniversary of the city's capture by North Vietnamese forces. This momentous occasion not only marked the fruition of a remarkable infrastructure endeavor but also celebrated the resilient spirit and historical significance of Da Nang.

The Dragon Bridge of Da Nang, Vietnam is the world's largest dragon-shaped steel bridge. With an installation cost of $85 million, it has 6 lanes and 666 meters of undulating steel shaped into a Ly-Dynasty dragon figure - the symbol of prosperity in Vietnamese culture. This gorgeous one-of-a-kind metal dragon also “breathes” fire and water weekly. The deliberate integration of lighting technology, with more than 2,500 LED lights, exquisitely shows the dragon's body and its vivid fire-breathing head.

Dragon Bridge Da Nang has attracted worldwide attention as a shining example for innovation in architecture. Its unusual arch support system has gained widespread regard in the designing industry and global media.

On every Saturday, Sunday and major holiday such as Vietnamese Tet, the Dragon Bridge fire show would take place at 9 p.m.

The initial presentation of dragon bridge Da Nang fire show features an enthralling 2-minute fire-breathing spectacle, executed in two segments with a remarkable display of fire-breathing occurring nine times. Following this, the water spraying performance promptly follows, lasting for an impressive duration of 3 minutes and comprising three distinct sequences, each featuring a single instance of water spraying. Observers are guaranteed to be captivated by the mesmerizing combination of radiant lights, synchronized with the breathtaking fire and water emanating from the dragon's mouth, rendering it a truly awe-inspiring attraction that stands as an extraordinary focal point within the enchanting city of Danang.

Son Tra Night Market

The market space is open, airy and filled with the scent of flowers. Green trees are planted along the two entrances to the market, which creates a feeling of coolness.  There are 4 different sections: food, beer, seafood, and shopping.  We also got a nice foot massage.

Hội An

• Vietnam

• 23 October 2022

• 30°

Rented a scooter, and drove to Hoi An.

Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

The town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures (principally Chinese and Japanese with later European influences) that combined to produce this unique survival. 

The town comprises a well-preserved complex of 1,107 timber frame buildings, with brick or wooden walls, which include architectural monuments, commercial and domestic vernacular structures, notably an open market and a ferry quay, and religious buildings such as pagodas and family cult houses. The houses are tiled and the wooden components are carved with traditional motifs.  They are arranged side-by-side in tight, unbroken rows along narrow pedestrian streets. There is also the fine wooden Japanese bridge, with a pagoda on it, dating from the 18th century. The original street plan, which developed as the town became a port, remains. It comprises a grid of streets with one axis parallel to the river and the other axis of streets and alleys set at right angles to it. Typically, the buildings front the streets for convenient customer access while the backs of the buildings open to the river allowing easy loading and off-loading of goods from boats.

The Japanese Bridge in Hoi An is an iconic symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town, known as Cau Pagoda (Chùa Cầu), was built in the 17th century with Japanese businessmen’s assistance. As a result, the bridge has been associated with a monster’s legend called Namazu. Specifically, Namazu is a Japanese mythological monster whose movements cause earthquakes and floods. Its head is located in India, while its body is in Vietnam and its tail in Japan.

The bridge was built with the belief of a magical sword to pin down Namazu’s back. Therefore, the monster could not wriggle, preventing natural disasters in Vietnam, Japan, and India. Hence, the lives of people in these three countries would happen in peace and prosperity.

n 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu visited Hoi An and carved the bridge’s name in 3 Chinese characters on the entrance, which means “Lai Vien Kieu” in Vietnamese and “the bridge to receive guests from afar” in English. Besides, the pagoda was named “Japanese Bridge” or “Japanese Covered Bridge” since it was mainly constructed by Japanese people.

On February 17, 1990, the bridge was recognized as a National Historic – Cultural Heritage Site.

Hoi An has lots of tailors, we got cornered by one when we were coming into town looking for a bank machine, she said we could park at her families store. Big mistake! We were going to have them make us something but they were so bossy, pushy and aggressive not letting us order what we wanted and trying to make us order 10x the amoutn that we wanted that we ended up just leaving exasperated.  Not the best sale pitch ladies!!

On the way back home we stopped at the Vin Pearl Resort to check it out and see what we were missing.  It was pretty deserted.

Last stop was the Cua Dai beach.  Cua Dai Beach is situated on Cam An Ward, roughly 4km away from the centre of Hoi An Town - Quang Nam Province. It is always listed as one of top beaches of Vietnam owing to its pristine soft white sand, crystal-clear yet deep blue water, crispy sunshine, cool salty breeze, slightly sloped sea floor and the gentle waves.  It was beautiful.

Truong Son

• Vietnam

• 25 October 2022

• 25°

Sun World Ba Na Hills 

We kept seeing advertisements for this place so decided to go check it out. We got on the scooter and had to drive through the city to go up the mountains to Ba Na Hills. I really thought this might be the end for me but we made it.

We really could have skipped it in hindsight.

The Vietnamese think that it is like Disney World, really it is a place for people to take Instagram photos and that is about it. 

Đà Nẵng

• Vietnam

• 27 October 2022

• 29°

We decided to do a long walk from from our hotel to the Lady Buddah.  To make the walk even longer, we came upon a detour whereby we could not pass a bridge so had to walk all the way around through a neighbourhood. 

We stopped to get a drink at Son Tra Marina where the funniest event occurred. We were sitting at a table waiting for the server, when a monkey snuck in the back door, jumped onto the table beside us where a family was sitting and stole all their snacks, then ran back out the door.  

The Lady Buddah

Lady Buddha is the protector of Danang, as she has the power to re-route potential dangerous typhoon in a different direction. She is highly revered for the love she has for the people of Danang. 

Being the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, Lady Buddha Da Nang is located at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang which is 9 km away from My Khe beach.

Lady Buddha Da Nang statue is inside Linh Ung pagoda courtyard with a height of 67m, the lotus diameter is 35m, equivalent to a 30-storey building.

The statue leans on the mountain, facing the sea, the kind eyes looking down, a hand exorcizes while the other hand is holding a bottle of holy water like sprinkling the peace to the offshore fishermen. On the hat of Lady Buddha statue, there is a Buddha statue 2m high. There are 17 floors in the statue lap, each floor has an altar with 21 Buddha statues which have different shapes, facial expression and posture.

One more special thing of the Lady Buddha Da Nang is whether you are standing in any place in the city, you can also easily see the Lady Buddha statue which leans on the mountain, facing the sea.

Nha Trang

• Vietnam

• 27 October 2022

• 25°

Flight from DaNang to Nha Trang, Vietnam

Took the most VIP bus we have ever been on from the airport into town.

Vietnam is so easy to travel around. Hop on a very reasonably priced VietJet flight and boom you arrive without any hassles.

Stay at the Seana Hotel.

Nha Trang

• Vietnam

• 28 October 2022

• 28°

Walked along the beach and waterfront of Nha Trang. 

In the evening went to the night market.

Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. Its main beach is a long, curving stretch along Tran Phu Street backed by a promenade, hotels and seafood restaurants. Aerial cable cars cross over to Hòn Tre Island, and the nature reserves of Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm islands, reachable by boat, have coral reefs. 

Honestely, don't understand why they do not allow cruising boats in Vietnam. This place is beautiful!!

Nha Trang

• Vietnam

• 29 October 2022

• 28°

Nha Trang, Vietnam

This is a place with more days of sunshine per year than anywhere else in Vietnam. The town’s main beach, Tran Phu, a seven-kilometre stretch of pristine sand and clear water, bordered by rustling palms, colourful beachside bars and seafood restaurants.

Nha Trang

• Vietnam

• 31 October 2022

• 30°

We switched hotels today to the Zenia Boutique Hotel. It was only a few blocks away.

Nha Trang Stone Church-Dam Market-Ponagar Tower

Nha Trang Cathedral 

In the 1880s, France established a colonial government in Nha Trang. They built a temporary chapel on the beach of Nha Trang to meet the religious needs of parishioners and French officials. Currently, it is the territory of Nha Trang Bishopric. The greatest contributor to the construction of this cathedral was the French parish - Louis Vallee.

Construction of the Stone Church in Nha Trang officially began on September 3, 1928. When the French arrived in Nha Trang, they cut the Hon Mot mountain in half and leveled the land with 500 anti-personnel mines to free up an area of ​​4500 square meters for the construction of the church. 

On May 14, 1933, Nha Trang Cathedral's grand opening was held. In 1934, a devout woman in Saigon presented a bell to Ambassador Dreyer and she was given the name Teresa of the Infant Jesus. However, the bell tower was not opened until December 3, 1935.

Nha Trang Cathedral is the oldest church here with over 80 years old. It is the combination of uniqueness and luxury. The church has various names. It is located in Nha Trang city, so it is called Nha Trang Cathedral - the most popular name. When you reach Intersection 6, people call it Nga Sau Church because the cathedral is nearby. The church is also known as the Stone Church in Nha Trang. However, its official name is the Christ the King Cathedral. 

Nha Trang Cathedral is one of the famous architectural works in the heart of the city. Towering 12 meters high, the Stone Church of Nha Trang has a total area of ​​more than 700 square meters.

Dam Market

Dam Market (Cho Dam) is considered Nha Trang's central market because of its beautiful and unique architecture. It is the city's largest market and a shopping center with items such as local traditional products.

Dam market was officially opened after being planned and built, and it quickly became one of Nha Trang's largest markets, with a 5270 square meter floor surface and a capacity of up to 3000 people.

Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, these impressive Cham towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Originally the complex had seven or eight towers, but only four remain, of which the 28m-high North Tower (Thap Chinh; AD 817), with a terraced pyramidal roof, vaulted interior masonry and vestibule, is the most magnificent.

Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, these impressive Cham towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Originally the complex had seven or eight towers, but only four remain, of which the 28m-high North Tower (Thap Chinh; AD 817), with a terraced pyramidal roof, vaulted interior masonry and vestibule, is the most magnificent.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

The towers stand on a granite knoll 3km north of central Nha Trang, on the northern bank of the Cai River

The towers serve as the Holy See, honouring Yang Ino Po Nagar, the goddess of the Dua (Liu) clan, which ruled over the southern part of the Cham kingdom. There are inscribed stone slabs scattered throughout the complex, most of which relate to history or religion and provide insight into the spiritual life and social structure of the Cham.

All the temples face east, as did the original entrance to the complex, which is to the right as you ascend the hillock. In centuries past, worshippers passed through the pillared meditation hall, 10 pillars of which can still be seen, before proceeding up the steep staircase to the towers.

Found our favourite beer - a tui - a mini keg, it seemed like too much, but we ended up drinking it all! The beer places in Vietnam are a great place to kick back (on tiny little chairs) and relax after a long hot day of touring around.

Nha Trang

• Vietnam

• 31 October 2022

• 30°

We walked to the National Oceanographic Museum today.

The museum boasts substantial collections of marine species and Vietnam archipelago history.

The National Oceanographic Museum is located inside the Institute of Oceanography - a witness to Vietnamese history. The Institute of Oceanography was established by the French during the colonial era in 1923. Since 1952, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology took it over and maintained it as a research institute. 

After the Vietnam War, in 1993, the institute became an adjoined organization for all of the marine research institutes in Vietnam and its headquarters are in Nha Trang.

The National Oceanographic Museum honorably holds the record for the most extensive collection of marine specimens in Vietnam (Vietnamese Records Book, 2012). Accordingly, the museum boasts a vast collection of 20.000 marine specimens to serve scientific and educational purposes.

Sometimes when we go to the beer cafes we get approached by locals who are super friendly and want to chat especially with Chris but we can't communicate with them.  Usually they are really drunk!!! lol

Nha Trang

• Vietnam

• 2 November 2022

• 29°

We had to leave our wonderful Zenia Hotel with its big beautiful included breakfast in Nha Trang today and  hopped on another flight to head back to Ho Chi Minh City again!!!

We let Terry know that we would be arriving back on November 1st.

Terry told us the car is busy on Nov 2nd but he could pick us up on November 3rd.

This time we stayed at the Tresor - big mistake!

Bình Chánh

• Vietnam

• 3 November 2022

• 29°

Terry's driver came to pick us up today to go to the boatyard. Terry did not come this time.

Reviewed Hull 8 with Tom Cutajar and Dan.  Significant progress had been made towards completion but much more interior and exterior finish is needed. 

Engines were sitting unmounted or connected in the engine areas. 

Went for lunch with Max Cruise staff including Terry Dewhurst. After lunch reviewed new solar design with Terry Dewhurst as previous Hull 6 design had not proven functional. 

Container had not shipped from South Africa. Discussed completion dates and Terry Dewhurst now says if the container ships November 3-4, 2022 then completion will be January 8, 2023 with departure possible before TET Holiday closing January 18, 2023. TET is two weeks so if not completed before will be completion in February or March but no firm dates are possible until shipping container received from South Africa.

Ho Chi Minh City

• Vietnam

• 5 November 2022

• 32°

Vĩnh Khánh , D4 (Seafood Street), Ho Chi Minh

One of the most vibrant food streets in the city packed with shellfish, snails and more.

The Disneyland of seafood, BBQ, cheap sushi,  and much more, this food paradise is nestled in the beating heart of district 4. Often considered, for good reason, to be the best street food neighborhood in the city, there are endless venues to explore. 

To start, though, it’s all about seafood. This street is bustling with hungry foodies and loud cooks yelling at each other over steaming hot pots and grills.  Vĩnh Khánh street has an astonishing variety of food, mostly centered around snails and shellfish, known in Vietnamese as “Ốc”.  As we walk up and down  enjoying the sights and smells of still-barbecuing octopus, shellfish,  pork ribs, hot pots, and more delights. Indisputably best food street in Ho Chi Minh City.

Max Cruise Update

Thw owners of Hull#7 are in town to pick up their boat. We have gotten to know them so we messaged Terry they're excited about their new boat and have invited us for the test sail and bon voyage party. What days are planned for the test sail and is their departure still on schedule for the 18th?

Terry wrote back that "We are looking at sea trials  on the 16th of November."

Therefore we had this date in mind to come back to Ho Chi Minh to join in on the sea trials on the hull before ours.

Terry told us :Our container should be at yard  29 nov."

Click on the word "Vietnam" below to see the trip.

Seas the day!